TAMPA, Fla. — Darina Glover  is the kind of teacher students instantly love.

"Some call me Mom, Auntie," Glover said. "I do whatever it takes to make sure the kids get what they need so they can succeed."

Glover has taught Language Arts at Orange Grove Middle Magnet for the Arts for 27 years.

"With the writing and the practice, I always try to put in to make sure we can hear your voice," she said. "I can hear you through your writings. Your voice is very important and people need to hear what you say and think."

Her desire to teach started year ago when she was very young.

"My mother was my kindergarten teacher," she said. "I've always known from watching her dedication that she always put everything she had, all her energy into teaching and educating children.  

"That's what I wanted to do."

What sets Glover apart is her incredible dedication.

"When you were having surgery," Explained her nomination letter, "You even contacted and called these students from your hospital bed to make sure they'd be ready for the test."

Said Glover: "I wanted to make sure that they did their best. And to let them know that any time they needed me I'm there."

Her students sing her praises and that starts her eyes welling.

"She believes in us," said student Venesa Clon, "And to me that's what makes a quality teacher."

Orange Grove Middle Principal Michael Miranda said Glover sets the bar for educational excellence.

"This is a teacher," Miranda said. "That these kids will remember for the rest of their lives."